Is the political situation in the US affecting hostel/hotel occupancy?

During spring break, Canadian families used to pile the kids into a tour bus and head to New York to see the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center and other attractions. It was the start of the busy season for Comfort Tour, a Toronto-based firm that usually brought between 200 and 300 tourists to New York in March.

Without getting into a discussion about the politics behind the situation, has anyone noticed a drop in occupancy due to fewer people from the US traveling overseas? Have any hostels in the US noticed a drop in occupancy due to reduced US tourism?

Report 'See also: Young foreigners'?

Hotel managers and others are reporting that student and youth groups have been canceling trips or delaying plans in response to the administration's travel policy and the unwelcoming atmosphere critics say it has fostered.

Report 'Also concerning from the'?

Also concerning from the opposite side is the EU's decision (threat) to require Visa's for all US citizens coming to europe. this is in response the fact that the USA does not have the same visa policies for all EU countries that is required of the EU.

Hotel managers and others are reporting that student and youth groups have been canceling trips or delaying plans in response to the administration's travel policy and the unwelcoming atmosphere critics say it has fostered. Those groups' second thoughts could have consequences not just for tourism dollars but also for America's image in the world as well as for cultural exchanges with other countries.

"I've got trepidations about what we're going to be facing within the millennial market," said Russ Hedge, chief executive of Hostelling International USA. "My hunch is we're going to continue to see an impact."

The nonprofit organization, which runs youth hostels across the country, reported that five international groups canceled their stay after President Donald Trump signed a Jan. 27 executive order barring travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries.

One of the biggest cancellations was at its New York Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue at West 103rd Street. International youth group World Merit, based in England, had booked between 800 and 1,000 beds over 10 days, starting in late August. The reservations were in conjunction with WorldMerit360, an annual event that draws young people from around the world to tackle the United Nations' sustainable development goals. But World Merit has decided to hold it in the United Kingdom instead.

"My understanding is they were concerned about being welcome in the U.S., especially people traveling on dual-citizenship passports," Hedge said. "Part of the group might have been able to enter the country while the other part couldn't."

In an email over the weekend, Chris Arnold, the founder and chief executive of World Merit, wrote that the “general tone and messaging” of the administration post-inauguration also played a role in the decision, with 62% of the membership voting to move the event to another country.

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